Fair wear certificates are standards that ensure clothing and textiles are made in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and safe for both the environment and the people involved in production. Two well-known certifications are the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). These certifications help consumers understand how products are made and ensure that workers and the planet are treated with respect. Ginger follows these guidelines and every product you can buy in our shop GOTS and FWF certified.
In this article, we’ll break down what GOTS and FWF are, how they work, and why they matter.
What is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an international certification that sets strict guidelines for producing organic textiles, such as cotton, wool, and linen. GOTS focuses on the entire production process, from farming to manufacturing, to make sure that the materials are environmentally friendly and ethically produced.
Here are some key aspects of GOTS certification:
1. Organic Farming
For a textile product to be certified by GOTS, at least 70% of the fibers must come from organic farming. This means that the crops, such as cotton, are grown without the use of harmful chemicals like synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Organic farming is better for the environment because it keeps the soil healthy, reduces water pollution, and promotes biodiversity.
2. Sustainable Processing
GOTS ensures that the entire manufacturing process, including spinning, dyeing, and printing, is done in an environmentally friendly way. Factories must use non-toxic chemicals and reduce water and energy consumption during production. Harmful substances like heavy metals or chlorine-based bleaches are banned under GOTS.
3. Ethical Labor Standards
In addition to environmental requirements, GOTS also sets strict social criteria to protect workers. Factories must follow fair labor practices, which include providing safe working conditions, paying fair wages, and prohibiting child labor or forced labor. Workers must also have the right to form unions and bargain collectively.
4. Independent Certification
To get GOTS certified, a company must undergo a strict audit by an independent certification body. This audit ensures that the company meets all the environmental and social standards set by GOTS.
What is the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF)?
The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) is a non-profit organization that works with clothing brands and factories to improve labor conditions for garment workers around the world. Unlike GOTS, which focuses on both environmental and social aspects, FWF is primarily focused on ensuring that the people who make our clothes are treated fairly.
Here’s what FWF does to promote better working conditions:
1. Fair Wages and Working Hours
FWF ensures that workers are paid fair wages and that their working hours are reasonable. In many parts of the world, garment workers are often underpaid and overworked, which leads to poor living conditions. FWF works to make sure that workers receive a living wage, which is enough to cover basic needs like food, shelter, and education.
2. Safe Working Conditions
One of the main goals of FWF is to improve safety in factories. This includes making sure that workers have access to clean water, proper ventilation, and safe equipment. FWF also works to prevent accidents by encouraging factories to follow safety regulations.
3. No Forced or Child Labor
FWF strictly prohibits child labor and forced labor in the factories it works with. Sadly, in some countries, it’s common for children to work in garment factories or for workers to be forced into labor through threats or coercion. FWF ensures that factories uphold workers' rights and only employ adults who work voluntarily.
4. Transparency and Accountability
FWF requires brands to be transparent about where their clothes are made. This means that companies need to know and monitor the working conditions in the factories they use. FWF also conducts audits and inspections to ensure that factories are following fair labor practices.
5. Complaint Mechanism
Another important feature of FWF is its complaint system. Workers in factories that are part of the Fair Wear Foundation can report violations of labor rights anonymously. FWF investigates these complaints and works with the factory and brand to resolve any issues.
Why Do Fair Wear Certifications Matter?
Fair wear certifications like GOTS and FWF matter because they help address serious problems in the fashion and textile industry. Many garment workers face unsafe conditions, low wages, and exploitation, while conventional cotton farming and textile production can harm the environment through chemical use and waste.
Here’s why these certifications are important:
- Environmental Protection: Certifications like GOTS promote more sustainable practices, such as organic farming and eco-friendly processing methods. This reduces the negative impact on the environment, helping to preserve soil, reduce water pollution, and lower carbon emissions.
- Ethical Treatment of Workers: Certifications like FWF help ensure that garment workers are treated fairly and have safe working conditions. By choosing products with these certifications, consumers can support brands that care about the people who make their clothes.
- Informed Consumer Choices: These certifications give consumers peace of mind by ensuring that the products they buy are produced in an ethical and sustainable way. When you see a GOTS or FWF label on a product, you can trust that it meets high standards for both the environment and workers' rights.
- Encouraging Change in the Industry: As more brands and consumers demand certified products, the fashion industry is encouraged to adopt better practices. This leads to long-term improvements in labor conditions and sustainability.
Conclusion
Fair wear certifications like GOTS and FWF are important tools for ensuring that clothing and textiles are produced in an ethical and sustainable way. GOTS focuses on both environmental sustainability and workers' rights by ensuring that textiles are made with organic materials and in eco-friendly conditions. The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), on the other hand, works specifically to improve labor conditions in the fashion industry, ensuring that garment workers are treated fairly and safely.
By choosing products with these certifications, consumers can make a positive impact on the environment and support the fair treatment of workers around the world.